Rangers just fell short in their quest to win the Europa League on Wednesday night, eventually losing 5-4 to Eintracht Frankfurt on penalties.
The match was all square at 1-1 at the end of 90 minutes. Rangers took the lead through Joe Aribo after 57 minutes, with Rafael Santos Borré making the tie all square at the 69 minute mark.
I thought Frankfurt probably shaded the play over the 90 minutes, but it was Rangers who finished extra-time the stronger.
The Scottish side should have won the contest at the end of the extra 30 minutes, if truth be told. Ryan Kent almost snatched it at the end of extra-time, but somehow Kevin Trapp stuck out a leg and made a point blank save.
Good save, or bad miss? Well, you’ve got to put them sort of chances away if you want to win European trophies!
It certainly felt like that chance may have been the cup gone for Rangers, and so it proved.
The German Bundesliga side struck 5 immaculate penalties. But Alan McGregor did remarkably well to get close to saving two of them. Could he have kept one out? Possibly. Again, on such fine margins are cups decided.
Rangers’ penalties were all pretty decent as well. It was only Aaron Ramsey - attempting to go down the middle - who missed, and that was enough to give Frankfurt the trophy. The Germans also now qualify for the Champions League next season.
Rangers were extremely unlucky, and if they won the shootout, no one could have begrudged them the victory. They can hold their heads up high, they performed brilliantly on the night.
It’s been some journey for Rangers, and it just goes to show, Scottish sides can compete in Europe.